PSYC 3260 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Donald Broadbent, Colin Cherry, Information Processing
Document Summary
Attention the ability to focus on specific stimuli or locations. Selective attention attending to one thing while ignoring others. An example: attempt to focus on math homework while ignoring the people talking. Distraction one stimulus interfering with the processing of another stimulus. An example: conversation in the library interfere with cell phone game. Divided attention paying attention to more than one thing at a time. For example when listening in on a conversation while simultaneously playing a game on cell phone. Attentional capture a rapid shifting of attention usually caused by a stimulus such as a loud noise, bright light or sudden movement. Example: while eavesdropping on conversation it is interrupted by a noise of a book cart. Visual scanning movements of the eyes from one location or object to another. William james definition of attention withdrawal from some things in order to deal effectively with others.
